Ranking the designated hitter possibilities for the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays

In continuing our examination of potential replacement options for the Toronto Blue Jays with key members from their roster heading towards free agency, we will now turn our focus to the designated hitter position. With Brandon Belt set to hit the free agent market upon the conclusion of the World Series, what will be the options available for the Jays to fill the void and what are the chances that it would happen?

Previously examined positions:

• Second base
• Third base
• Center field

3. Re-sign Brandon Belt

For the 2023 season, Belt had quite the adventurous, yet productive season for the Blue Jays. His tenure with his new ballclub actually got off to a horrendous start when he struggled mightily in April, hitting just .170 and striking out almost half of his at-bats. However, he eventually recovered and managed to turn around his season the rest of the way. He certainly became a key contributor down the stretch in helping the Jays ultimately reaching the postseason.

In total, Belt hit .254 with an .859 OPS, 53 runs scored, 19 home runs and 43 RBI over 103 games played. In addition, he provided the much-needed offensive boost from the left side of the plate for the Jays. With his veteran leadership and breadth of postseason experience, it should be a no-brainer that the Jays should try and re-sign him.

However, towards the end of the season, he began to run into some injury woes with his back, causing him to miss some important games in September. Health has been an ongoing issue for Belt in recent times as he has endured over 10 ailments in just the last three years. In addition, he has even hinted about potential retirement in a recent interview on Foul Territory. As a result, with the great deal of uncertainty in his future, it is most likely that the Jays have seen the last of Belt. Nevertheless, the Jays would surely thank him once again for what he had accomplished with the ballclub.

Probability: Low